This column is renowned for featuring intimate, first-person memoirs from acclaimed writers and thinkers. Key "Personal History" Features from 1997
(April 21, 1997): Historian Timothy Garton Ash investigates why so many East Germans became secret-police informers, including his own friends. Personal Numero 36 (1997)
: Local outlets like the Metro Santa Cruz (Volume 3, Number 36) offered alternative "personal" perspectives on pop culture phenomena like The X-Files . This column is renowned for featuring intimate, first-person
During 1997, the magazine published several landmark essays in this section: During 1997, the magazine published several landmark essays
The year 1997 was a transformative period for long-form personal narratives and media:
(February 17, 1997): Short story writer Andre Dubus writes poignantly about his decision to stop carrying a firearm after a life-altering tragedy. Broader Context of 1997 Cultural Media
: This year saw the publication of the famous study by psychologist Arthur Aron involving 36 questions designed to foster interpersonal closeness and love.